Transversus abdominis plane block improved surgical conditions in neuromuscular blocker-free pediatric laparoscopic hernia repair: a randomized trial

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• Picked for Pediatric Surgery (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): Pediatric TAP block improves laparoscopic hernia repair

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pediatric laparoscopic hernia repair (LHR) is a short, commonly performed ambulatory procedure that can be conducted under general anesthesia without neuromuscular blocker (NMB). This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block facilitates the implementation of NMB-free anesthesia in this surgical setting. METHODS: Eighty pediatric patients scheduled for LHR without NMB were stratified by age (≤ 3 or > 3 years) and randomized to receive either a bilateral TAP block after induction (TAPB group) or surgical-site local infiltration at closure (Control group). The primary outcome was the mean intraoperative Leiden Surgical Rating Scale (L-SRS) score. RESULTS: The TAPB group demonstrated significantly higher mean L-SRS scores compared with controls (mean difference, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.69-1.11; p < 0.001), consistent across age subgroups. Age-stratified analysis revealed a markedly increased risk of intraoperative hemodynamic stress responses in the Control group, with adjusted odds ratios of 10.09 (95% CI, 3.46-29.42; Cochran's p < 0.001) for mean arterial pressure elevation ≥ 15% and 4.78 for heart rate elevation ≥ 15%, as well as a higher need for remifentanil rescue (adjusted odds ratio, 10.09; 95% CI, 3.44-29.60; Cochran's p < 0.001). The TAPB group also exhibited improved postoperative recovery, with significantly lower rates of emergence delirium (10 vs. 37.5%), moderate-to-severe pain (37.5 vs. 80%), and postoperative fentanyl rescue (2.5 vs. 20%; all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of a TAP block significantly improved surgical conditions during pediatric LHR under an NMB-free general anesthesia strategy, while attenuating stress responses and enhancing postoperative recovery quality.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.